Guest readers usher in pirate-themed literacy week in Wauconda schools

Wauconda Grade School kicked off its pirate-themed literacy week Monday with five mystery readers.

Police Chief David Wermes, Fire Chief Dave Geary, Mayor Lincoln Knight, librarian Julianne Medel and former school speech pathologist Cindy Henricks served as the guest readers, which each assigned to a specific group of first- through fifth-grade students.

They read books including "Pirates Love Underpants," "Are Pirates Polite?," "Rufus Goes to Sea," "Small Saul" and "Tough Boris." Students also asked the readers questions about their careers.

The school's hallways and doors are decorated with pirate flags and decorations for literacy week, and other pirate activities are planned, including dancing, singing and assemblies. Students also have the opportunity to earn "plunder" of rings, bracelets and pencils.

Event planners Tracy Russo and Tracy Woodall organized activities for Tuesday and Wednesday, including pairing primary and intermediate students as reading buddies.